Two mosques will host Ramadan community meals

12 hours ago

Jon Wrightin Ipswich

News image — Nurul Chowdhury is the chair of Ipswich Mosque, which is hosting a community meal on 1 March

Jon Wright/BBC A man dressed in a suit with a navy head covering stands at a lectern to deliver a speech. Behind him are shelves of books. There are two men sat beside him. — Nurul Chowdhury is the chair of Ipswich Mosque, which is hosting a community meal on 1 March

Two mosques will host community meals open to people of all faiths and none as part of their Ramadan celebrations.

Ipswich Mosque, on Bond Street, and the Shahjalal Islamic Centre and Masjid, on Argyle Street, Ipswich, will host free Iftar meals - when Muslims break their fast - on Sunday 1 March and Monday 2 March respectively.

The holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of either 17 or 18 February, depending on the sighting of a new crescent moon.

Tunu Miah, Ipswich Mosque's secretary, said: "The atmosphere is brilliant, we have people from all walks of life, other faiths, everyone is invited."

Jon Wright/BBC A close up of a polystyrene takeaway container with rice and samosas inside. People are in the background sitting on the floor and eating. — Ipswich Mosque said the day's fast is usually broken with dates and water, before a meal is served to worshipers and guests together

Ipswich Mosque, also known as the Suffolk Muslim Centre, said its meal was "a community engagement event aimed to increase understanding among the communities and bring positive change".

Although mosques are open to everyone all year round, Miah said it was important to give non-Muslims a reason to visit.

"Many people haven't been to the mosque before, so we can show them what part it plays, people just wonder sometimes," he said.

Miah said the event included a tour of the mosque, with an opportunity for guests to ask questions, observing prayers and then guests sharing a meal together.

Visitors were asked to dress modestly, he added.

Contributed Inside a mosque with a purple dome in the ceiling and patterned prayer mats on the carpet. — The Shahjalal Islamic Centre and Masjid will host a community meal on 2 March

Idris Ali, of the Shahjalal Islamic Centre, told the BBC: "Events like community iftars are important because they bring people together, encourage unity, and allow others to learn about and share in the values of Ramadan."

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives.

The other pillars are declaration of faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage.

Although the Quran requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, there are exceptions such as for people who have medical conditions.

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